Roster of Accredited Programs

NASPAA accreditation recognizes that a master’s degree program in public policy, affairs, or administration has undertaken a rigorous process of peer review conducted by the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA).

All NASPAA-accredited programs have successfully met the NASPAA Accreditation Standards for Professional Master’s Degree Programs in Public Affairs, Policy and Administration. Some universities have more than one NASPAA-accredited program; in this case each master’s degree program must meet NASPAA standards independently. Accreditation of a degree program extends to all campuses and formats where that degree is offered. NASPAA does not accredit schools, undergraduate degrees, or PhD programs.

NASPAA’s membership consists of 308 member institutions, which offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in public affairs and administration. Of the total number of programs eligible to participate in peer review, 206 programs at 187 schools (61% of member institutions) are accredited. On the roster, the academic year appearing immediately following the institutional name indicates the projected academic year for the next regularly scheduled review. (For example, if the year indicates “2019-20,” then the self study would be submitted by August 15, 2019, the site visit would take place sometime between February and April of 2020, and the accreditation decision would be made by the Commission in June of 2020). This year identification does not preclude the Commission from authorizing a site evaluation prior to the designated year. The 2019-20 Roster is effective September 1, 2019.

On an annual basis, the Commission issues accreditation actions for programs seeking accreditation. Programs receiving initial accreditation or full reaccreditation decisions demonstrated conformity with the NASPAA Standards after a thorough review by the Commission. The Commission bases its conclusion on the overall quality of the program, its performance of its mission, consideration of substantial conformance with the standards, and its assessment of overall program quality given the unique mission of that program. Programs receiving initial accreditations and reaccreditations, including positive one-year reaccreditations, are included on the Roster of Accredited Programs, updated each year.

Find your ideal MPA or MPP program today!

NASPAA's authoritative search tool for programs in public affairs, public administration, and public policy is the only online directory that includes data from the programs themselves. You can search and filter by a wide range of criteria, including by accreditation.